WHERE TO STAY IN BALI FOR A WEEK?
Are you traveling to Bali and need some recommendations on where to stay? In this article we review the best places to stay with complete information on each area and city. Shall we get started?
AREAS
- Seminyak: Beautiful beaches and glamorous night life, luxury
- Ubud: Authentic, with places to explore inland, inexpensive
- Kuta: Young party atmosphere and beach, easy access and inexpensive
- Legian: Nightlife, quieter than kuta, affordable prices
- Jimbaran: Couples, relaxed and luxurious tourism
- Nusa Dua: Resort type accommodation
- Sanur: Tourism in a quiet area, affordable prices
- Denpasar: Accommodation in the capital, alternative tourism and luxury, affordable prices
BEST AREAS WHERE TO STAY IN BALI
Bali is not an island of great size, nevertheless it has a great quantity of interesting and diverse places where the traveler can lodge.
To help you to choose a location that is of your taste we have created this ranking of the best areas where to stay in Bali.
1. SEMINYAK
Known for its beautiful and quiet beaches, Seminyak is the most famous Balinese luxury resort. Although the beach in this area can be grayish in some parts, it is still wonderful for sunbathing and swimming.
Their sunsets are legendary: most enjoy it taking a cocktail in one of the bars or clubs located in the sand. Here there are luxurious tourist complexes of five stars, isolated villas and clubs of beach type premium.
The best restaurants of Bali are in this zone, mainly in the street Jalan Laksmana and Kayu Aya, that offer kitchen of almost all the countries.
Seminyak also is a paradise for the purchases and you will be able to find designer boutiques and stores.
Nightlife is outstanding, with some of the most famous clubs of the island as the Potato Head and Ku De Ta.
In the street Camplung Tanduk you will find a lot of atmospheric bars, placed side by side. The type of nightlife here is refined, and far from the type of atmosphere that is lived in Kuta or Legian.
This zone is synonyms of luxury, reason why if you want to stay in Seminyak you will have to spend a little more money, nevertheless, also it is possible to find some offer and to lodge for very little money in a hostel or in private houses.
The best thing about Seminyak is that the beaches are less crowded with tourists than in Kuta and has an excellent nightlife. There is a lot of supply in lodging, reason why it is easy to find a hotel or villa that fulfills your expectations.
You should keep in mind that traffic jams are common during the high season (approximately from June to December) and that some of the things to visit are spaced out, so walking is often necessary.
This is, under our point of view, the best place where to lodge in Bali, at least if you go with the intention of enjoying the beach and the Balinese night.
Recommended hotels in Seminyak
2. UBUD
When most tourists visit Bali, they often choose to split their trip into two parts: spending a few days by the beach and a few days inland.
If this is your plan, we highly recommend selecting Ubud as your inland destination. This charming town serves as the cultural heart of Bali and deserves at least a 5-day stay.
Ubud offers a plethora of attractions to explore, and its strategic location is perfect for visiting temples, volcanoes, and nearby lakes. Moreover, Ubud provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the coastal areas and offers a milder climate.
It can also serve as a convenient base for the entire trip, with the beaches not too far away. Dining options in Ubud are abundant, catering to all tastes and budgets. However, we encourage you to savor the delightful vegan restaurants as Ubud is renowned as one of Asia’s premier destinations for meat-free dining.
Surprisingly, it’s far from dull; Ubud boasts local markets, museums, art galleries, fashion boutiques, and even traditional Balinese dance performances at the Taman Saraswati temple.
Additionally, it’s an excellent starting point for day trips to sacred temples and springs like Tirta Empul, the Bratan crater, the Elephant Safari Park, the Monkey Forest, the Tegallalang rice terraces, or the rock temples in Gunung Kaw.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for rafting, hiking, and biking excursions.
Accommodations in Ubud are plentiful, and prices generally fit various budgets. While the town’s narrow streets can lead to traffic congestion, it’s not the ideal destination for nightlife seekers, as the nightlife scene is rather limited.
Recommended Hotels in Ubud
3. KUTA
Kuta stands as Bali’s most renowned beach destination. Once a humble fishing village, it has transformed into a surfing mecca and a magnet for young travelers seeking beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
The most iconic venues include the nightclubs along Jalan Legian. These nightspots often feature multiple rooms and performances by international DJs. You’ll also find numerous bars offering affordable drinks, each competing to provide special cocktails, barbecues, or complimentary drinks for the ladies.
If your Bali journey revolves around water sports, breathtaking sunsets, and nightlife, Kuta has everything you need right at your doorstep. However, with constant traffic, hordes of tourists, street vendors, and blaring music, it’s not the ideal place for a peaceful retreat.
Kuta predominantly caters to younger tourists and backpackers, offering more budget-friendly accommodations. Furthermore, its proximity to the airport makes it easily accessible.
If you’re traveling with family and seeking an affordable yet family-friendly option, we recommend considering Tuban, just a short walk away (also known as Kuta South), which offers a variety of family-oriented complexes.
Recommended lodging in Kuta
4. LEGIAN
Located between Seminyak and Kuta, Legian combines the best of both famous beach areas in Bali. While hotel prices here are not as budget-friendly as in Kuta, you can still find excellent lodging deals. Unlike Kuta, many of the hotels in Legian offer beachfront locations.
Legian, situated just north of Kuta, is less crowded, providing opportunities for a peaceful and relaxing beach experience. Although the sand here may appear somewhat gray, staying in Legian is worthwhile if you’re seeking an affordable and conveniently accessible place without the hustle and bustle of Kuta.
It’s a highly touristy area, so you’ll find a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and various shops.
Recommended Hotels in Legian
5. JIMBARAN
Jimbaran Bay ranks among Bali’s most breathtaking spots to witness mesmerizing sunsets, facing the opposite side of the airport.
The majority of accommodations in Jimbaran are international hotel chains and luxurious five-star resorts. The dining options mirror this excellence, with outstanding restaurants specializing in seafood and fish, making it one of Bali’s top destinations for savoring these delectable delicacies.
We recommend trying one of the beachfront restaurants in Muaya Beach. Jimbaran, although close to the airport, remains relatively undeveloped and surprisingly less crowded. Nonetheless, it offers a sufficient number of bars, shops, and restaurants for a comfortable stay.
The bay boasts a long, picturesque shoreline with pristine white sandy beaches and calm waters, making it ideal for novice surfers due to its gentle waves. This area exudes tranquility, with nightlife being much more low-key compared to Kuta or Legian, rendering it a perfect choice for honeymooners or couples in search of a romantic setting.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in sunset cocktails at the stunning venues perched on the limestone cliffs to the south of Jimbaran.
Due to its excellent location, fantastic beach, and serenity, lodging prices in Jimbaran are generally higher compared to other parts of Bali.
Recommended Hotels in Jimbaran
6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua stands as Bali’s most exclusive beach enclave. This is a unique destination where all the accommodations are 4 or 5-star resorts.
Situated along the stunning southeast coast with its pristine white sands, Nusa Dua is under the management of ITDC, a government-owned corporation. The area is meticulously patrolled by 24-hour tourist police, ensuring a safe environment. The streets are well-maintained and spacious, and you won’t encounter the usual traffic congestion or street vendors here.
Each resort boasts expansive gardens and multiple swimming pools, with many offering direct access to the sea. These resorts are particularly well-suited for families with children, featuring small pools, children’s clubs, and entertainment tailored for this audience. Additionally, there are romantic hotels that cater more to honeymooners.
Nusa Dua is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a resort experience without venturing far from their hotel. It’s a secure and tranquil destination, making it perfect for a worry-free stay.
Recommended Hotels in Nusa Dua
7. SANUR
Sanur is renowned for its unhurried and tranquil atmosphere. This serene beach destination offers a peaceful coastal experience, a stark contrast to Kuta and Legian on the opposite side of the island.
Consequently, Sanur isn’t known for its sunsets, but it boasts some incredible sunrises. Its stunning beach is shielded by a reef, ensuring minimal waves (and surfers), making the morning the best time for swimming. It’s an idyllic choice for families with young children or travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
You’ll discover numerous restaurants along Sanur’s main streets, particularly on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, along with a variety of local shops. While the nightclub and nightlife scene is limited here, you can easily take a taxi to Kuta for a lively evening or to explore its shopping malls. Additionally, from Sanur, you can catch a speedboat to visit the charming Nusa Lembongan Island.
Accommodations in Sanur are quite budget-friendly, with hotels available in various price ranges. For us, it’s an excellent option if you’re seeking to escape the crowds of tourists.
Recommended Hotels in Sanur
7. DENPASAR
Although Bali’s airport is named Denpasar, it isn’t actually located in the provincial capital of Bali. In fact, it’s closer to Kuta.
It’s not very common for tourists visiting Bali to stay in Denpasar. This choice typically appeals to travelers seeking a closer connection with the life of the Balinese capital, which provides a more authentic and non-touristy experience.
Accommodation options in Denpasar mainly consist of modern urban hotels with an economical and contemporary design, primarily catering to business travelers. However, there are also older hotels available that can add a historical and almost nostalgic charm to your trip.
The best part? Denpasar’s central location makes it convenient for exploring other tourist areas in southern Bali. Accommodations in Denpasar are reasonably priced, making it an ideal choice for backpackers or those on a tight budget. You’ll find a plethora of stores and authentic Indonesian restaurants to dine at.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that Denpasar is a city known for its constant traffic, limited pedestrian zones, and tourist attractions scattered throughout the area.